President Biden's top Mideast advisor is currently in Israel for discussions with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The U.S. is reportedly urging Israel to send a delegation to Paris for talks on a potential ceasefire and hostage deal. It has been confirmed that an Israeli delegation will indeed travel to Paris for further negotiations on the release of hostages and ceasefire terms.
Meanwhile, violence has escalated to the West Bank, where three Palestinian gunmen opened fire at an Israeli checkpoint near Jerusalem. Tragically, one person was killed and several others were injured in the exchange. Israeli forces responded, resulting in the deaths of two Palestinian gunmen and the injury of another. Hamas has endorsed the attack, labeling it as a response to the ongoing bloodshed in Gaza.
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gavir, from the far-right, has called for stricter measures and increased hardships for Palestinians residing in the West Bank. He emphasized prioritizing the safety of Israeli citizens over the freedom of movement for Palestinians, hinting at the likelihood of heightened restrictions and additional checkpoints in the region.
Simultaneously, concerns are mounting over a potential Israeli offensive into Rafah, the last sanctuary for civilians and combatants in the Gaza Strip. Recent Israeli airstrikes targeted a mosque and residential structures, causing significant destruction. Egypt is apprehensive that an Israeli incursion into Gaza could lead to an influx of refugees into Egyptian territory.
Further complicating the situation, the Houthis have intensified their hostilities, with reports of a ship being struck by a missile in the Gulf of Aden. The vessel, identified as the Islander, caught fire as a result of the attack. Additionally, the Houthis launched missiles towards southern Israel, which were successfully intercepted.
Over the weekend, there has been a notable increase in Houthi attacks on U.S. forces and commercial vessels. The U.S.S. Dwight D. Eisenhower strike group is now at the forefront of efforts to counter the Houthi aggression and combat Iran's influence in the region.
